Heinavanker - Songs of Olden Times: Estonian Folk Hymns and Runic Songs (2013)

The vocal ensemble Heinavanker was founded in 1996 under the direction of composer Margo Kõlar. The name 'Heinavanker' has its origin in the Haywain Triptych by Hieronymos Bosch (1453:1516). In this strange painting (featured in the CD booklet), the allegorical scenes seem inspired by today’s life. A large stack of hay is being carted through a land peopled by those who labour acquisitively toward their own destruction. In the midst of all the activity, music:making takes place. A gloating demon and a praying angel are each trying to gain dominance over the musicians. Here Heinavanker delves into Estonia’s early sacred music and folklore through the prism of contemporary imagination in this evocative programme of ancient runic songs and folk hymns which range from joyful to reflective, sometimes featuring overtone singing.